'Fiddler, Jr.' provides a look at culture and change

It’s a story that people have heard of, even if they have never seen a performance. It is a musical that has garnered nine Tony awards and was one of the longest running Broadway shows in history.

It is the classic story of Tevye, a poor dairyman in the village of Anatevka, who tries to teach his five daughters the traditions of his Jewish community in the face of great social changes and the growth of anti-Semitism.

Of course, the production is “Fiddler on the Roof , Jr.,” presented by the City of Temecula Youth Musical Theater, and performed Thursday through Sunday at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

“This show is really special to me,” said Director Jennifer Stuart.” I usually do lighthearted Disney productions, but this one explores my culture and it is something serious teaching the kids about change in family faith no matter the race or religion. It’s a lesson for everyone.”

The production comes from Music Theater International’s collection of shortened shows for junior actors and actresses.

Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.

When: 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula

Tickets: $7

Phone: (866) 653-8696

Online: temeculatheater.org

“I have kids ages six to 17, so it’s a great mix,” she said. “I have beginner kids and kids with a lot of experience. They are from all levels.”

And the storyline involves a great deal of deeper issues, including a father trying to maintain tradition while outside influences, including the husbands of his strong-willed daughters and the Tsar’s edict to evict them from their village.

“Most of the kids are brand new to this storyline so it has really been a learning experience,” Stuart said. “Everything from the cultural backgrounds, the accents, even the costumes teaching them why it looks like this is a new thing. Why are they wearing black at a wedding, why do both parents walk the bride down the aisle and why does she walk around the room seven times. So there’s a lot of background that they are learning.”

The leads in the play belong to 13-year-old Royce Lundquist (Tevia) and 17-year-old Teddi Thyfault (Golda).

“They are incredible,” she said. “All of the kids love the play and it has been wonderful. What is cute about this too is that Royce’s sister is playing the fiddler and she plays the instrument and has since she was 8 or 9.”

When it came to casting, the challenge wasn’t just about acting.

“I was after kids who could understand the roles,” she said. “Obviously, they needed to sing, but dancing wasn’t a big priority because I have a great choreographer and a great vocal director. I was just looking for the maturity to handle the depths of each character.”

And Stuart is quite familiar with those depths.

“I’m a Jewish girl from the Bay Area,” she said. “I have directed it before and worked on it as a kid, though I have never starred in it. So it hits home for me.”